System for holding a membrane in tension

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for the holding of a membrane in tension, that system having: a frame; a plurality of frame members with longitudinal anchoring channels. The channels having first and second channel flanges. Also provided is a retention strip disposed upon at least a part of the periphery of the membrane, wherein the retention strip engages the first and second channel flanges.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/784,989, filed Mar. 23, 2006. This application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to membrane displays, and more particularly, to a tensioned membrane display backdrop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical attachment of tension-membrane/fabric to frames wraps the fabric around the frame. Examples include canvas stretched around a wooden frame and tacked or nailed on the back of the frame, like the traditional painting canvases. Other systems include plastic splines or clips attached to fabrics are secured to the face surface of the frame, and the fabric is pulled parallel to the surface of the frame. In both known systems, the tension on the fabric applies a shear force to the fasteners. Complex frames require complex and difficult-to install constructions of fabric. There are several modular frame systems on the market which are used for exhibits, events, architecture, museums and retail environments. These frame systems can be structural or decorative. Most are made of aluminum extrusions. Most use some kind of clamp to assemble one frame member to another. These clamps typically engage the flanges of a groove or channel in the adjacent frame member. This groove is also used to retain panels which can be finished with wall coverings or graphics. With the recent increase in the use of tension fabric in these applications, the benefits of a way to attach fabric directly to the frame, substituting for a rigid panel, are apparent.

What is needed, therefore, are techniques for removably attaching a tensioned fabric to a tensioning display frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention provides for the holding of a membrane in tension, that system having: a frame; a plurality of frame members with longitudinal anchoring channels. The channels having first and second channel flanges. Also provided is a retention strip disposed upon at least a part of the periphery of the membrane, wherein the retention strip engages the first and second channel flanges.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the holding of a membrane in tension, that method being, inter alia, the insertion of a retention strip between channel flanges, ensuring seating of the retention strip by use of a spline tool or other suitable insertion tool, contacting the channel flanges with the retention strip.

One embodiment of the present invention allows the mounting of a tension-membrane panel directly to a perimeter frame which has a t-shaped groove or channel. This is accomplished by sewing a flexible plastic strip to the membrane, which, when installed, is retained in the groove of the frame. Tension can be parallel or perpendicular to the groove. This leaves the frame exposed, and does not require the membrane to wrap around the frame.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for the holding of a membrane in tension, the system comprising: a frame; a plurality of frame members having longitudinal anchoring channels having first and second channel flanges; an retention strip disposed upon at least a part of the periphery of the membrane; wherein the retention strip engages the first and second channel flanges.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides such an system wherein the frame members are configured from materials selected from the group of materials consisting of aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, brass and combinations thereof.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the first and second channel flanges are co-planar.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the longitudinal anchoring channel has cross sectional geometry selected from the group of shapes consisting of rectangular, square, triangular, circular, and semicircular.

A still further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the longitudinal anchoring channel comprises a gap disposed between first and second side walls wherein the first and second sidewalls are not directly connected.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such an system wherein the membrane is stretchable.

A yet further embodiment of the present invention provides such an system wherein the membrane is a fabric, selected from the group of fabrics consisting of knit, woven and non-woven fabrics.

Even another embodiment of the present invention provides such an system wherein the membrane is a fabric comprising fibers selected from the group of fibers consisting of nylon, cotton, polyester, polypropylene and blends thereof.

An even further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the membrane is a plastic film.

Still yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the plastic film is selected from the group of plastic films consisting of urethane, polyester, polycarbonate, Polyvinylchloride, and polycarbonate.

A still yet further embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the retention strip has a rectangular cross sectional shape.

Still even another embodiment of the present invention provides such a system wherein the retention strip further comprises a membrane attachment tongue orthogonal to a side of the retention strip distal to the first and second channel flanges.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the holding of a membrane in tension, the method comprising: inserting a retention strip between channel flanges disposed in an assembled frame; seating of the retention strip; and contacting the channel flanges with the retention strip.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides such an method further comprising attaching the retention strip to the membrane prior to the step of inserting the retention strip between channel flanges of an assembled frame.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides such an method wherein the membrane is attached to the retention strip by an attachment technique selected from the group of techniques consisting of sewing, using chemical adhesives, thermally bonding the membrane to the strip, and sonically bonding the membrane to the strip.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides such an method wherein the step of seating the strip in the channel further comprising the use of a retainer-channel seating device.

A still further embodiment of the present invention provides such an method wherein the retainer-channel seating device is a device having a proximal end having a width less than that of a distance between the first and the second flanges, and a radius of sufficient breadth to prevent kinking in the retention strip.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides such an method further comprising releasing the membrane from tension by removal of the retention strip from between the channel flanges disposed in the assembled frame.

A yet further embodiment of the present invention provides such an method wherein the step of removal comprises utilizing a hook or flat headed prying tool to remove a portion of the retention strip.

The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane retention system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional perspective view of a frame member of a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a retention strip for a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame member illustrating a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a channel for receiving a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the insertion of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the locking of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the insertion and alignment, utilizing a rotary spline tool, of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the removal, utilizing a hook tool, of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the insertion and alignment, utilizing a retention strip insertion and removal tool, of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the removal, utilizing a utilizing a retention strip insertion and removal tool, of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention having a shallow channel.

FIG. 11B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method of inserting a membrane retention strip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention having a shallow channel.

FIG. 11C is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame wherein a retention strip and tensioned membrane is disposed configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention having a shallow channel.

FIG. 12A is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame having a wide mouthed, deep channel, and shallow flanges configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for installing a membrane retention strip in a channel such as that illustrated in FIG. 12A, that method configured in accord with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12C is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating an installed membrane retention strip disposed in a channel such as that illustrated in FIG. 12A, and configured in accord with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating one embodiment of the present invention having a curved channel.

FIG. 13B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method of implanting a curved retention strip according to one embodiment of the present invention having a curved channel.

FIG. 13C is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method of implanting a curved retention strip according to one embodiment of the present invention having a curved channel.

FIG. 14A is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the insertion of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a cross sectional elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the engaging of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a tool configured according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 16A is a side elevation view of a sewing presser foot for use with a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a front elevation view of a sewing presser foot for use with a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of a sewing presser foot for use with a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a strip removal tool for use with a system for holding a membrane in tension configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the removal using a removal tool of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18B is an elevation view of a tensioned membrane display frame illustrating a method for the removal using a removal tool of a retention strip configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18C is a perspective view of a membrane to which is attached a retention strip illustrating retention strip removal notch configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18D is a perspective view of a membrane to which is attached a retention strip illustrating retention strip removal notch configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19A is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with beveled corners configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19B is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with beveled corners having a membrane attached and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with a longitudinal central groove configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20B is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with a longitudinal central groove having a membrane attached and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21A is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip having a semicircular cross-section and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21B is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip having a semicircular cross-section, having a membrane attached and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22A is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with a split extruded welding tongue configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22B is a cross sectional elevation view of a membrane retention strip with a split extruded welding tongue having a membrane disposed in the split and configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5 comprises a tubular frame 12 with elongate tubular members 14 wherein are disposed longitudinal channels 16 configured to receive fabric or membrane tension retention strips 18. The tubular members 14 may be joined at the corners of the frame 12 or the end of a member may join the body of a second member, thus forming an interior bracing member 20. The fabric or membrane retention strips 18 may in one embodiment be provided with a groove or depression 22 running along the length of the retention 18 and dividing the retention strip 18 into at least first and second retention sides 26, to which membrane 24 is sewn or otherwise affixed through the use of stitches, mechanical fasteners, ultrasonic welding heat bonding, or adhesives 25. In other embodiment no such groove is provided, while in still further embodiments, a stitching tongue may be provided orthogonally to the strip to attach the membrane to the strip. The membrane retention or anchoring strips 18 may be configured to be inserted into, and removed from the longitudinal channels 16 without disassembling the frame 12, thereby facilitating change of membranes 24 in displays. The membrane is held in tension orthogonally or non-parallel to the surface of the frame in which the retainer or anchor 18 is disposed.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a variety of membranes may be used, including but not limited to synthetic and natural woven, knit, and non woven textiles, leathers, plastics, vinyl films, reinforced vinyl films, textile and metal and plastic meshes and screens, polypropylene films, Mylar films, and urethane films and other polymer films and membranes.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, assorted shapes of tubular frame members 14 may be used, having substantially rectangular, square, trigonal, trapezoidal, rhomboidal, polygonal, oval or circular cross sections. A cross section of a square member is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating the member with anchors or retainers installed and without, respectively. Similarly, member channels 16 may be configured in a variety of cross sectional forms, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, and square, so long as the channel 16 has sufficient capacity to accept the strip and afford the strip room to orient itself in a toggle position. Members may be provided with a plurality of channels disposed longitudinally along the sides of those members. Members may be configured from a variety of materials, metals such as, but not limited to aluminum, brass, steel, woods such as, but not limited to mahogany, oak, pine, and plastics. Such materials may be solid or hollow, and may be machined, carved or extruded to create channels 16. Members may be designed specifically for the system or may be commercially available, such as those marketed by OCTANORM-Vertriebs-GmbH.

Some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, employ flat plastic retention strips 18. While in such embodiments no tab is used to attach the membrane, as the membrane can be affixed directly to the flat strip, other embodiments may employ tabs to fasten the membrane to the anchor or retainer. In one embodiment, the membrane is sewn to the center of a first side of the strip. This seam may be disposed in a depressed, concave, or routed channel to facilitate the stitching and to permit flex of the strip 18 along the seam. In various embodiments, the strip 18 is configured such that the sides of the strip 26 may compressed, bent, or folded to allow passage of the strip 18 into the channel 16, but then return to an expanded or unfolded position to prevent the unintended removal of the strip 18 from the channel 16.

Alternatively, no depression 22 need be made in the retention strip 18. In such embodiments, distortion of the strip is of diminished importance as the strip may tilt in the member channel 16 to permit the strip to slide past the edges of the member channel 16. Applying tension to the membrane 24 draws the retention strip 18 in to contact with the member channel 16 mouth, causing it to engage, like a toggle, preventing the membrane 24 from being pulled free of the channel 16.

According to an alternative embodiment, the membrane retention strips 18 may be configured having a T cross section. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other embodiments of the present invention may have different cross sections, with asymmetrical protrusions from the central core. Such strips, shaped like letters “d”, “L”, “V” and “J” may also permit removal or replacement of the strip.

According to one embodiment, the strip 18 may be configured from flexible polymers, such as, but not limited to, extruded polyester, low and high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polycarbonate. The material from which the strip 18 is made must be flexible enough to deform to permit its introduction into, and removal from the channels 16. Such deformation does not need, in all embodiments, to be great, and where sufficient room is afforded for toggling, rigid or semi rigid retention strips 18 may be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention a method for installing a tensioned membrane 24 is provided, illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, 7 and 9, wherein a membrane retention strip 18 is sewn or otherwise attached to the periphery of a membrane 24. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the channel 16, is configured to receive the strip through an opening disposed between flanges 36. As illustrated in FIG. 6B the retention strip 18 is aligned with and inserted into the channel 16 of a frame member 14. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the retention strip 18 is introduced into the channel 16, in one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7 by means of a spline tool 30 such as those commonly used in the repair and manufacture of screen door panels. Other tools, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 15 whereby a curved end portion 64 can be used to press the strip in to the channel, or even flat head screw drivers may be used to force the retention strip 18 into the channel 16. Once the retainer 18 is seated into the channel 16 it is brought into contact with frame channel flanges 36 where it returns to its original shape thereby securing the screen, fabric or membrane 24 in place.

FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate methods by which the strip may be removed using a hook 50 or flat prying end 68 of the tool illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 11A illustrates a channel configured with deep flanges 36 and a shallow channel 16. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the membrane 24 is stitched to a central groove of the strip 18, such that the strip is flexible and the strip may be bent along the groove to allow it to be disposed within the channel. The strip 18 is then disposed within the channel as illustrated in FIG. 11C, providing tension on the membrane 24 thus holding the retention strip in place.

FIG. 12A illustrates a channel 16 that is deep but configured with shallow flanges 36 and walls 37 proximal to the strip 18. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the membrane 24 of this embodiment is affixed to the side of the strip 18 that is disposed distal to the flanges 36. It is inserted such that the side of the strip 18 that is in contact with the membrane 24 is inserted and the side not in contact with the membrane is lowered into the channel 16 past the flanges 36. When, as illustrated in FIG. 12C, tension is applied to the membrane 24, the membrane 24 is forced against a flange 36, in turn forcing the strip 18 against the wall 37 of the channel 16. The strip 18, and thus the membrane 23, is thereby secured in the channel 16.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate installation of a curved retention strip 62 in a curved channel 60. The strip 62 is inserted on edge, rotated and positioned against the flanges 36. The membrane 24 is then in its tensioned position as illustrated in FIG. 13C.

A similar process is illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B where a rigid or semi-rigid strip is inserted between flanged 36 and secured between the flanges 36.

FIG. 15 illustrates a tool configured to install and remove strips configured in accord with one embodiment of the present invention. The tool is provided with a curved installation end 64, which allows the strip to be pressed into the channel without damage or crimping of the strip. A removal end 66 is configured with a flat head prying tool 68 by which the strip may be pried up, past the flanges and released. The removal end is also configured in one embodiment with grooves or texture 70 to provide a secure hand grip when using the installation end 64.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the attachment of the strip utilizes a specially configured sewing machine presser foot illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C. Such a specialized presser foot attachment 40 may be configured with an attaching column 44 that attaches the foot block 43 to the machine, a notched bottom profile 42 to receive the retention strip 18 and center the retention strip beneath the foot 40, and holding the membrane in contact with the machine feed mechanism 46. The sewing machine needle and thread 48 is deployed through a hole disposed in the front half of the top of the foot 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, one embodiment of the present invention provides a strip removal tool 50 comprising a handle 52 and a hook 54. As illustrated in FIGS. 18A-B, the strip removal tool may be used to engage the strip, and begin the removal process, orienting the strip for removal. As illustrated in FIGS. 18C and 18D curved notches 54 may be disposed at points or a single point along the strip 18 to allow the tool 50 to obtain a greater purchase on the strip, and to facilitate the removal thereof.

FIGS. 19A-22B illustrate alternative retention strip designs. FIG. 19A illustrates a strip having beveled or chamfered corners, the center of which may be affixed by various means to a membrane as illustrated in FIG. 19B. FIG. 20A illustrates a strip having a central groove or depression 22 similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, the center of which may be affixed by various means to a membrane as illustrated in FIG. 20B. FIG. 21A illustrates a strip 62 having a semicircular or curved cross-section similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 13B-13C, the center of which may be affixed by various means to a membrane as illustrated in FIG. 21B. Such an embodiment may effectively be used in situations where the flanges are uneven or where the channel is curved. In FIG. 22A, an orthogonal tongue 72 is provided to which the membrane may be attached. The tongue 72 may be split to facilitate ultrasonic fabric welding or stitching as illustrated in FIG. 22B, alternatively it may be solid.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but the claims appended hereto. 

1. A system for the holding of a membrane in tension, the system comprising: a frame; a plurality of frame members having longitudinal anchoring channels having first and second channel flanges; an retention strip disposed upon at least a part of the periphery of said membrane; wherein said retention strip engages said first and second channel flanges.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said frame members are configured from materials selected from the group of materials consisting of aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, brass and combinations thereof.
 3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said first and second channel flanges are co-planar.
 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinal anchoring channel has cross sectional geometry selected from the group of shapes consisting of rectangular, square, triangular, circular, and semicircular.
 5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said longitudinal anchoring channel comprises a gap disposed between first and second side walls wherein said first and second sidewalls are not directly connected.
 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is stretchable.
 7. The system according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is a fabric, selected from the group of fabrics consisting of knit, woven and non-woven fabrics.
 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is a fabric comprising fibers selected from the group of fibers consisting of nylon, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, urethane, and blends thereof.
 9. The system according to claim 1 wherein said membrane is a plastic film.
 10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said plastic film is selected from the group of plastic films consisting of urethane, polyester, polycarbonate, Polyvinylchloride, and polycarbonate.
 11. The system according to claim 1 wherein said retention strip has a rectangular cross sectional shape.
 12. The system according to claim 1 wherein said retention strip further comprises a membrane attachment tongue orthogonal to a side of said retention strip distal to said first and second channel flanges.
 13. A method for the holding of a membrane in tension, the method comprising: inserting a retention strip between channel flanges disposed in an assembled frame; seating of the retention strip; and contacting the channel flanges with the retention strip.
 14. The method according to claim 13 further comprising attaching said retention strip to said membrane prior to said step of inserting said retention strip between channel flanges of said assembled frame.
 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein said membrane is attached to said retention strip by an attachment technique selected from the group of techniques consisting of sewing, using chemical adhesives, thermally bonding the membrane to the strip, and sonically bonding the membrane to the strip.
 16. The method according to claim 13 wherein said step of seating said strip in said channel further comprising the use of a retainer-channel seating device.
 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein said retainer-channel seating device is a device having a proximal end having a width less than that of a distance between said first and said second flanges, and a radius of sufficient breadth to prevent kinking in said retention strip.
 18. The method according to claim 13 further comprising releasing said membrane from tension by removal of said retention strip from between said channel flanges disposed in said assembled frame.
 19. The method according to claim 18 wherein said step of removal comprises utilizing a hook or flat headed prying tool to remove a portion of said retention strip. 